Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay in Milwaukee, for now.
The two-time MVP reiterated his commitment to the Bucks on Wednesday, while reports on Tuesday made waves that the Knicks discussed a potential trade for the superstar in August after he singled out New York as "the only place" he wanted to play outside of Milwaukee.
SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley confirmed that the Knicks and Bucks had cursory talks about an Antetokounmpo deal at the time, but they didn't reach an advanced level. Begley noted that Antetokounmpo sees the idea of winning a title in New York appealing.
Antetokounmpo made it clear he believes in the Bucks and his main goal is to win another championship. Although he left the door open to a potential trade down the road, saying it's "human" to change your mind.
"I've said this many times: I want to be in a situation that I can win," Antetokounmpo said. "I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I'm here to lead this team to wherever we can go. It's definitely going to be hard. We're going to take it day by day, but I'm here. So all the extra stuff does not matter.
"I've communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love, that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter. I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me. Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that's human, too."
When asked about rumors that circulated during the offseason that he wanted to leave Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo called it "temptation," but that's now in the past and he's ready for the start of the season with his current team.
"It's temptation. That starts when the season ends until the season begins," Antetokounmpo said. "There's going to be a lot of people that are going to approach me or approach my agent and they're going to say this is a possibility, that's a possibility … but at the end of the day, ultimately, I'm going to make a decision. And my decision today is that I'm here and I'm committed to this team."
Antetokounmpo, who'll turn 31 on Dec. 6, signed a three-year, $175 million contract extension with the…
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